Care

Prenatal Care

In the months leading up to birth, I provide care to assess the woman’s health and the well-being of her baby. Each appointment is one hour in length. Prenatal visits are scheduled every four weeks until week 28, bi-weekly from 28-36 weeks, and then weekly until the baby is born.

At each visit, I ask the woman about the baby’s movements, her own health, and her expectations for the birth. This is followed by an assessment of her vital signs. Further examination of the woman’s health is performed as needed. Next, I listen to the baby’s heart beat by Doppler or fetoscope, check the position of the baby, and measure the uterus, which provides confirmation of her due date and the growth of the baby.

Each prenatal visit includes a time for questions and discussion of any concerns that the woman has. Her partner is encouraged to attend visits and his questions are always welcome.

Birth

Once labor has begun, I go to the woman’s home whenever she needs me. I assess her labor progress and the baby’s response to contractions throughout the labor process. During labor, the woman’s partner ideally plays a major role in supporting her while I enable them to labor together. I assist in the delivery of the baby and placenta, monitor the mother’s recovery in the immediate postpartum period, and give the newborn a full examination. The baby is put in his mother’s arms where I assist the pair with the initial feeding. I stay until the baby has nursed on both sides, mother has eaten, and mother and baby are settled. Written and verbal instructions on caring for herself and the infant are presented at that time. After the birth, I am available by phone to answer any questions and concerns that the parents may have.

Postpartum

In the postpartum, I stay in touch with the woman to be sure her body is healing and her questions are answered. Breastfeeding assistance is provided as needed. I visit the woman and baby in their home about 24-36 hours after the birth, performing the Indiana Newborn Metabolic Screen.

At each postpartum visit, I check the mother’s vital signs. We talk about her physical and emotional health, and discuss breastfeeding issues. Then I check the baby’s vital signs, record his weight, and ask about feedings, diapers, and sleep habits.

Postpartum visits continue as necessary until about six weeks, at which time the mother is given a copy of her prenatal records, labor/birth chart, and the newborn examination form.

What our clients are saying…